What is Semrush?
Semrush is a marketing platform built around a large database of keywords, backlinks, domain profiles, and traffic data. It is positioned as one product, Semrush One, that combines traditional SEO with AI visibility, meaning tracking how often and how favorably large language models mention or cite a brand across custom prompts.
In practice you can research keywords, analyze competitors' backlinks and traffic sources, run technical site audits, track rankings, and monitor AI brand sentiment and market share against rivals. The platform also covers content creation with SEO and AI scoring, local SEO, digital PR, Google and Meta advertising insights, and social media management. Semrush data can also be connected to AI assistants through its MCP integration, so users can query live SEO and market data inside a chat.
Key features
- Keyword research with a database of billions of keywords
- Backlink analysis and competitor insights
- AI visibility tracking and prompt-level monitoring
- Technical site audits and rank tracking
- Content creation tools with SEO and AI scoring
- Semrush MCP connection to AI assistants
Who is it for
- SEO specialists
- Marketing teams and agencies
- Small businesses and freelancers
- Enterprise brands operating across markets
How to get started with Semrush
- Create a free Semrush account, no credit card required
- Add your domain as a demo project
- Run a keyword analysis for your industry
- Check your brand's visibility in AI answers
- You do SEO and need a large database of keywords and backlinks
- You want to track whether your brand appears in ChatGPT answers and compare it with competitors
- You are an agency or marketing team needing reports and technical audits
- You need a generous free plan, as the free plan has only 1 project and 10 reports per day
- You don't have a budget for paid plans, which are priced in USD
Pros and cons
- Combines traditional SEO data with AI search visibility in one platform
- Very large keyword, backlink, and domain databases covering 142 geo markets
- Paid plans are required for most features; the free plan is limited to one demo project and 10 reports per day
- Advanced tiers are priced for organizations and agencies
Semrush pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 0 USD / month | 1 demo project, 10 reports per day, no credit card required |
| SEO | 117.33 USD / month | billed annually (139 USD monthly); 5 websites, 500 keywords tracked daily, basic keyword research, position tracking, site audit, AI sentiment and AI visibility reports, 50 custom prompts |
| Starter (SEO + AI Search) | 165.17 USD / month | billed annually (199 USD monthly); 5 websites, 500 keywords tracked daily, MCP access, 50 prompts tracked daily, 300 AI visibility reports per day |
| Pro+ (SEO + AI Search) | 248.17 USD / month | billed annually (299 USD monthly); 15 websites, 1,500 keywords tracked daily, historical SEO data, content optimization, 100 prompts tracked daily |
| Advanced (SEO + AI Search) | 455.67 USD / month | billed annually (549 USD monthly); 40 websites, 5,000 keywords tracked daily, SEO share of voice, API data integration, 200 prompts tracked daily |
Prices copied from Semrush pricing, checked October 12, 2026. Currency as shown by the vendor; taxes may apply.
Is Semrush free?
Yes, there is a free plan. Free plan: 1 demo project, 10 reports per day across vital tools, help center and basic onboarding, and AI Visibility features. No credit card required.
Featured in
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Semrush alternatives
| Tool | Price from | Free plan | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
 Ahrefs | 129 USD/mo | trial | SEO |
 Senuto | 35 EUR/mo | trial | SEO |
 Surfer | 82 EUR/mo | trial | SEO |
 Frase | 39 USD/mo | trial | SEO |
 vidIQ | not listed | yes | SEO |
 Clearscope | 129 USD/mo | trial | SEO |
Comparisons
FAQ
What is Semrush used for?
All-in-one SEO and AI search visibility platform for tracking, researching, and growing brand presence across Google, AI answers, ads, and social.
Is Semrush free?
Yes, there is a free plan. Free plan: 1 demo project, 10 reports per day across vital tools, help center and basic onboarding, and AI Visibility features. No credit card required.
How much does Semrush cost?
The cheapest paid plan is 117.33 USD/mo (vendor pricing, October 12, 2026).
What are the best Semrush alternatives?
Closest alternatives: Ahrefs, Senuto, Surfer, Frase, vidIQ.
Data checked October 12, 2026 on the vendor website (semrush.com).